China pledges to help promote peace, stability, development in West Asia, North Africa

  Jia Qinglin (1st R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), meets with Jordanian Senate President Taher al-Masri in Beijing, capital of China, June 20, 2011. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

BEIJING, June 20 (Xinhua) -- China pledged its commitment to help promote peace, stability and development in West Asia and North Africa on Monday.

"As a permanent member of the Security Council of the United Nations, China will make concerted efforts with the international community to promote peace, stability and development in West Asia and North Africa," top political advisor Jia Qinglin said on Monday in Beijing.

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made the remark during a meeting with visiting Jordanian Senate President Taher al-Masri.

He also voiced a call for concerned parties in the region to restore political stability and social order through dialogues and consultation.

"China respects those countries' sovereign rights to settle their internal affairs on their own," Jia told Masri.

Jia spoke highly of the recent growth of China-Jordan relations, noting that China attaches great importance to its ties with Jordan.

He suggested that both nations should maintain high-level exchanges, deepen political mutual trust, expand economic ties and promote cultural exchange.

Jia also expressed his appreciation for Jordan's long-term adherence to the one-China policy.

Jia also encouraged the CPPCC and the Jordanian Senate to boost their cooperation in order to foster the further development of bilateral relations.

Agreeing with Jia's views on China-Jordan relations, Masri highlighted the "profound friendship" shared by the people of both countries.

The Jordanian side highly values the remarkable achievements China has made in its economic and social development and is very grateful for the aid China has previously offered to the country, Masri said.

The Senate of the Jordanian Assembly will increase its exchanges with the CPPCC and strengthen its cooperation with the conference in many fields, Masri added.